Research - Hardware and Hosting

There are a number of ways to implement virtual worlds for learners to access.

• join existing externally hosted virtual worlds (eg Second Life)
• rent regions in existing externally hosted virtual worlds
• create your own virtual world on a virtual server through a hosting provider via 'Remote Desktop Services/Connection'
• create your own virtual world on a physical server through a hosting provider via 'Remote Desktop Services/Connection'
• create your own virtual world on you own local server
• create a single user virtual world on a USB memory stick

Regions for Rent

• Second Life(USA) (Open to 16 and over after Dec 2010 and access to education sites for 13-15) NB Change in education pricing from Jan 2011
• Teen Second Life (Discontinued after Dec 2010)
• Reaction Grid(USA)
• Jokaydia Grid and Jokaydia Grid Rentals(Australian Educator)

External Hosting Options

• Reaction Grid
• SimHost
• MediaGrid
• List of OpenSimhosting providers

Inhouse Hosting Options

• OpenSim - Local Server, Desktop, USB
• **Diva Distribution**- Metaverse Ink(Introductionand Installation Wiki) See also Hypergrid Business: How to set up a mini-grid (Includes Wifi web app for user registrations
• USB Standalone for Windows
• KindleLab - OpenSim + SnowGlobe Viewer + Google Docs (download zip file)

Further reading on hosting

• Hypergrid Business: How to choose an OpenSim hosting company
• Hypergrid Business: OpenSim Grid Primer
• Hypergrid Business: OpenSim Security 101
• Hypergrid Business: How to set up a mini-grid
• Hypergrid Business: Initiative: free land for educators migrating from Second Life
• Adam Frisby - "How to choose a good OpenSim host?"
• iliveisl: "we get groups..."
• ilivesisl: The Future of Education in Virtual Worlds
• iliveisl: multi-sim suggestion, especially for educational use

Recommendations for possible Guidelines/Standards

• Start by exploring existing virtual worlds and using 'sandboxes'.
• Establish a presence by renting a region in an existing virtual world.
• Establish a team with strong ICT support before considering hosting own virtual world.
• Consult educator communities in virtual worlds when looking for a hosting solution that meets needs for privacy, reliability, price and performance...
• Consider implementing a range of complementary services at your institution including using open source software. For example existing virtual worlds, standalone installations, USB memory stick installations, local network, hosted OpenSim providers.